Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop
during pregnancy. It occurs when your
body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased
needs during pregnancy,
leading to high blood sugar (glucose) levels.
While the condition typically resolves after childbirth,
women who have had gestational diabetes
are at higher risk
for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Key points about gestational diabetes:
- Causes:
It’s believed to be related to hormonal changes in pregnancy, which can
make
the body less responsive to
insulin. This can lead to insulin resistance, where the body
doesn’t use insulin properly.
- Risk
Factors:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having
a family history of diabetes
- Being
over the age of 25
- Had
gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Having
high blood pressure
- Ethnic
background (higher risk in Hispanic, Black, Native American, and Asian
American populations)
- Symptoms:
Gestational diabetes often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why
routine screening during pregnancy
is important. In some cases, you may experience
increased thirst, frequent urination, and
fatigue.
- Diagnosis:
It’s usually diagnosed through blood tests. Most pregnant women are
screened between 24 and 28 weeks of
pregnancy with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
- Treatment:
- Diet
and Exercise: A healthy eating plan and regular physical activity can
help
control blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring:
Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential to keep track of your
glucose levels.
- Medication:
If diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar, insulin or
other medications may be
prescribed.
- Risks
to Mother and Baby:
- For
the Mother: There’s an increased risk of high blood pressure,
preeclampsia,
and the likelihood of developing
type 2 diabetes later in life.
- For
the Baby: The baby may be at risk of high birth weight (macrosomia),
premature birth, low blood sugar
after birth, and respiratory problems.
- After
Pregnancy: It’s important for women who’ve had gestational diabetes to
regular monitoring of their blood
sugar levels after childbirth.
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